Live Beautifully

New Camera Lens!

2011-06-04T09:27:00.004-04:00

For my birthday, my family got me a 50mm f/1.8 lens...so awesome!!!

Great shots of Annabelle

Great shots of food

Great shots of flowers

And great shots of dogs :)

Can't wait to use it more! Thanks Dad!

Princess Crown

2011-02-01T10:20:00.005-05:00

As I stood staring at my dull hair for the umpteenth time, trying to figure out what to do with it, a beautiful vision came into my head. My old Florida roommate, Gentri :) For the month of January, she has posted a new hairdo on her blog every single day and a vision of one of those styles popped into my head at a moment of crisis. So, I thank her for inspiring me to do something I have never done before. Check out her cute blog! [Gentri Lee] She's got some great ideas on there, so check them all out!!

It was actually quite easy, if you know how to french braid, already. Thanks Gentri! Love you!

Homework #1

2011-01-24T10:11:00.003-05:00

So, I'm taking this AMAZING online photography class from an AMAZING photographer named Brooke Snow. She is actually one of my AMAZING friends from college and she has developed an AMAZING talent! Here is her website if you want to check her out www.brookesnow.com. I am so ready to learn all I can from her. It's going to be AMAZING! :) Our first lesson was about aperture and metering. During this assignment, it was really fun to experiment and really see a difference in my photos already! I, of course, had to do at least one photo session with my favorite subject :)

SINGULAR THEME

f/4.5, 1/30, ISO 400

I entitle this picture... "Spit Bubbles." That's the obvious focus of the picture :) I love how clear and distinct they turned out.

f/8, 1/8, ISO 400

Her whole head is now in focus but the background is still fuzzy

f/22, 1s, ISO 400

You try getting your baby to hold still for 1 second! If she had, though, everything would have been in focus.

STORYTELLING THEME

f/22, 1/80, ISO 400

I entitle this picture..."West Texas Sunrise." Gotta love the pump jack :) I only had to drive 3 minutes from my house to get this shot, beautiful, eh? :) Anyway, I wanted to try and capture the sun rays, like Brooke taught. It's neat to see the difference!

f/11, 1/400, ISO 400

The rays are a little less sharp

f/5.6, 1/2000, ISO 400

Here the sun and it's rays are just a blob of light

WHO CARES THEME

f/8, 1/3, ISO 400

I entitle this picture..."Jar-O-Beans." I thought the subject fit the theme name :) Here everything is on one plane so everything is in focus.

f/5.6, 1/4, ISO 400

The onlt difference here is that the fabric closest to the camera is out of focus

f/18, 2s, ISO 400

Nothing really too different here

So, there we have it! One question I do have, is that I noticed that my ISO never changed from 400. Do I have to change that manually, too? Thanks Brooke! Looking forward to the next lesson!

We Are Never Alone

2010-10-12T12:46:00.002-04:00

Throughout my life I have had experiences that have shown me that I am never alone. That someone is always watching and listening to my spoken or unspoken prayers. And that I never have need to feel afraid or deserted. One little experience happened a little over a year ago, right after I had just married my husband. As soon as we moved to Texas, I was immediately called to work with the youth at my church and they had a huge camping trip that week that they invited me to attend with them. Even though I was a grown woman who had been on my own in new situations many times before, the first night away from my husband was really hard. I barely knew anyone and I was feeling very lonely in my little sleeping bag in the corner of the tent. During my restless sleep, I got up to use the restroom and on my way back I looked up and was struck by the beauty of the night sky. As I was admiring the stars in the cold, crisp, silent air, a gorgeous shooting star shot across the sky, directly where I was looking. Some people may look at that as a coincidence, but I immediately felt the warmth of my Heavenly Father's love as I was given the comfort that I was not alone.

A second, more recent experience happened this last weekend, when again, I was away from my husband. He had left for the weekend for a business trip and I was home alone with our two new 8 week old puppies. On Friday night, after running some errands, I returned home to find that one of my puppies was extremely sick. She was showing all the symptoms for a fatal puppy virus called Parvo and I was really concerned. I called the vet emergency line since the office was closed and he said to just make sure to keep fluids in her all night and bring her in in the morning. He recommended Pedialyte or Gatorade...I had neither. After I hung up, I started crying. I was alone and scared and I didn't want my puppy to die. I tried to think of who I could call that would have some Pedialyte, since the small, local store was already closed. As I held the phone in my hand sobbing like a little girl, it rang. My friend Alex was on the other line, who just so happened to be in the next town over at Target, on the baby aisle, right in front of the Pedialyte. I almost started laughing because it was such an obvious answer to my prayers! Luckily, through some TLC and lots more prayers, my puppy made it through the night and was completely her old self by morning! All the symptoms were gone and I didn't have to bring her into the vet!

I know God hears our prayers and watches over us. I also know how important it is to recognize that his hand is in the little miracles that happen in our lives every day. The more we recognize his presence, the more present He will be :) Which is why I've chosen to share these experiences with you :)

Dutch Babies

2010-08-20T11:08:00.002-04:00

Does everyone have a special childhood food memory? I have a lot, but this is by far one of my favorites! I remember standing in front of the oven, watching our masterpiece grow into amazing shapes and sizes. The best part was taking it out to see what the final shape was! I loved it! Dutch babies are kind of like breakfast soufflés. I've heard some people call them German pancakes, but they will forever be Dutch babies to me...even though it is kind of a weird name now that I think about it :{ Here's the recipe for making a personal-sized Dutch baby.

2 eggs

1/2 c milk

tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 c flour

1/2 tsp cinnamon

2 Tb butter

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Beat together eggs, milk, vanilla, and salt. Add flour, stirring constantly, until all lumps are gone. Add cinnamon. When oven is preheated, place butter in round baking dish and melt in oven. When melted, add mixture. Cook for 20-25 minutes.

My favorite topping is fresh squeezed lemon juice and powdered sugar. Yum! Try it! You'll like it!

How to stay ahead of the game!

2010-07-16T10:27:00.004-04:00

Have you or your husband/wife ever said the words, "Where does all our money GO?!" I was hearing these words exclaimed every single week as my husband looked over our bank account and shook his head. Then I found Bottomline Budgets :) (Did I do a good job sounding like an infomercial? Hehe :) I'm not getting paid to advertise this site or anything, but I do want to let you know how awesome it is and how much it's helped us! After looking at a bunch of budget templates online, this is the one that made the most sense to me and what I knew would help us the most. I've never enjoyed making a "budget" per say... allotting certain amounts of money to each category and trying to stay within that amount. That's too much effort! But I do enjoy keeping track of our finances. With this template I am able to set aside money week by week for things that we are saving for without having to physically move money from one account to another, I can enter in all fixed expenses that I know are coming up that month, and I can enter in expenses as they happen so that we know how much money we have left to work with before we get paid again. I love it and my husband loves it! Especially when I tell him how much money we have left over that week :) He thinks I'm a genius, when really...Bottomline Budgets does it all! But don't tell him :) I like being a genius :)

Happy Borcht-day!!

2010-07-13T13:49:00.004-04:00

On Sunday, I told my mom I'd be trying my hand at making Borcht. I had never heard of it until searching for recipes that included beets and she had never tried making it, so she said I had to post a picture when it was all said and done. So, her you are mom! Happy Borcht-day! Hehe :) I'll take it one step further, though, and include the recipe, or rather, my version of the recipe, because it really turned out delicious! This soup is a staple in most Eastern and Central European countries and can be made either hot or cold. The main ingredient is beetroot which turns the whole soup an awesome pinkish-purple color. It would be great to serve on Valentine's day :) It was fairly easy to make, just a lot of chopping vegetables, so if you have a food processor, that would be the way to go! I doubled the recipe I found, because I love leftover soup for lunches, and it freezes well, but if you don't want to make that much, then just half it. Oh, and this soup is extremely healthy! Especially if you choose to include mostly organic ingredients, like we did.

Borcht-day Soup

Prep time: 25 min /Cook Time: 1 hour

Serves 16

6 cups water

6 cups organic vegetable broth

1 chopped large yellow onion

1 cup chopped organic carrots

1/2 cup chopped organic celery

1/2 cup chopped organic bell pepper

3 organic beets, diced

2 cans organic diced tomatoes

6 potatoes, quartered

4 Tbls organic butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 head organic purple cabbage, finely shredded

1/2 cup organic milk or cream

4 potatoes, diced

2 Tbls dill weed

Salt and Pepper to taste

Sour cream if wanted

1) Place water, broth, 1/2 of the chopped onion, carrots, celery, bell pepper, beets, 1 can diced tomatoes, and quartered potatoes in a large stock pot over high heat. Bring to a boil.

2) Melt 3 tbls butter in a separate skillet over medium heat. Saute remaining chopped onions and garlic in butter until tender, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in remaining 1 can of diced tomatoes, reduce heat to medium low, and simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in cabbage and continue simmering and stirring until cabbage is tender, about 10 minutes.

3) Remove quartered potatoes when they are tender with a slotted spoon or tongs, and place in a bowl with remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the milk or cream. Mash together until smooth.

4) Stir in diced potatoes, sauted cabbage, and mashed potatoes into the stock pot. Make sure mashed potatoes are stirred in well. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes more. Add dill weed, salt, and pepper. Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream on top and warm bread.

Have You Ever...

2010-03-26T20:26:00.005-04:00

Celebrated your 20th birthday floating down the Seine in Paris
Watched a grown man cry like a baby the first time he prayed and cried right along with him
Branded a cow with a hot iron and watched its meatballs taken off
Ridden in a hot air balloon over Provo
Eaten at Gandolfo’s in your full cap and gown
Watched baby alligators being born at an alligator farm
Pet dolphins backstage at Walt Disney World
Planted the world’s largest baring tomato tree
Sung in the Christmas production at Walt Disney World
Been featured on a live Canadian French TV show
Gone to the top of the snow-capped Pyrenees
Learned to make chocolate in the basement of a jewelry shop in Switzerland
Walked though Ann Franks hiding room in Amsterdam
Seen the Mona Lisa
Seen Cats, The Lion King, Chicago, and Les Miserables in London
Gone to Easter Mass at Notre Dame de Paris
Mud wrestled in nothing but heart boxers and a tank top
Watched Titanic and counted how many times Jack and Rose said each other’s names
Gone on a 2500 mile road trip with your dad, twice
Played air guitar in your living room wearing only your bathing suit
Gone snorkeling and kayaking in the Caribbean
Had a song written about you
Tried pole vaulting
Stood solemnly in the American Cemetery in Normandy while The Star Spangled Banner was played over the loud speakers
Enjoyed Italian gilatto on the bridges of Venice
Hiked through 5 fishing villages along the cliffs of the Italian Riviera
Swam in the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean
Stood in the homes of Leonardo de Vinci and Claude Monet
Sung in a small jazz group, performing and competing all over Southern California
Took off on a spur of the moment 22 hour road trip to Nauvoo, Chicago, and Wisconsin with three people you met the night before
Almost gotten blown off the top of a light house in St. Augustine, FL
Gone on a road trip to Yellowstone to break the news to your old roommate that you had killed her fish
Attended church at a hotel that had elephants and giraffes on the chandeliers above you
Chased peacocks around a park in France so you could have a feather
Been shark fishing

Recorded your own CD in a recording studio

Can you believe I have!! Leave a post if you remember being a part of any of these awesome memories :)

French Cafe Corner

2010-02-22T17:22:00.006-05:00

So here is the first product of my nesting :)

This little corner next to our kitchen used to hold a huge pile of empty packing boxes and two broken washing machines (don't ask). Now it is my favorite room in the house!

It makes me feel like I'm back in France at a little cafe :)

I was so excited when I found this perfect curtain material!

Don't you just want to sit and have a cup of tea? Come on over!

This obviously is my garden space and it makes me so excited for spring to come!!

It feels soooooo good to have this space exactly right :)

Nesting

2010-02-17T10:11:00.004-05:00

Recently, I have been in this phase where everything has to have a designated space. I've taken one room at a time and organized and cleaned and decorated until I feel that everything is where it is supposed to be. It is such a drive that I feel within, it's almost unexplainable! Maybe it's the coming of spring, maybe it's the drum of winter, or maybe I'm preparing for something in the future that only my sub-conscience knows about?! I don't know, but it's funny how much peace it brings to me, knowing that my storage room is completely organized. I don't even go in there very often!

The term "nesting" has always been intriguing to me. In my biology course in college, I remember learning about bird nesting. The male usually provides the foundation for the nest and the female designs the inner lining. The female is the skilled builder and detailer. Lots of precision goes into weaving and adding to the nest. Almost as if every piece "has a designated space." :) Construction usually starts near the end of winter and is finished by spring when the eggs are laid, but the nest is only used once, never to be used again! Does that fact stop them from making the very best nest possible? Not at all!

And that's when I realized...I'm nesting. We may not be in Texas very long, but dang it, I am going to make the very best nest possible while we're here! No more packed boxes of decorating and craft materials, it's all coming out!

Many Roles of Life

2009-12-30T16:03:00.006-05:00

During the holidays, I was talking to my aunt and somehow we got talking about all the roles I've had in my life and she suggested I list them all. I thought that would be fun so here you go. List yours on your blog and let me know so I can see if we have matching ones!

Age 0: Daughter, Granddaughter, Niece, Cousin
Age 2: Sister
Age 4: Student
Age 8: Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Age 9: Best Friend
Age 10: Babysitter
Age 12: Beehive President
Age 14: ASB, Math Club, and Mind Olympics Participant
Age 15: Basketball Player, Pole Vaulter, Choir member
Age 16: Girlfriend, Legal Driver, Laurel President, Receptionist
Age 17: Actress, Jazz Singer, Gym member
Age 18: Roommate, Freshman at BYU, Traffic Dispatcher
Age 19: Bank Teller, Study Abroad Student, World Traveler
Age 20: Librarian, Interior Decorator
Age 21: Missionary
Age 23: Landscape Management Student, Greenhouse Specialist, Relief Society President
Age 24: College Graduate, Plant Science Intern at Walt Disney World, Mary Kay Beauty Consultant
Age 25: Plant Research Assistant at Walt Disney World, Sister-in-Law
Age 26: Adventure Guide, Resort Concierge, Fiance
Age 27: Wife, Daughter-in-law, Landscape Designer, Horticulture Teacher, Health Coach

And I can't wait to add Mother to the list someday :)

Fall Plantings

2009-11-03T12:20:00.001-05:00

Just a short little post showing my happy little flower bed. It's got kale and cabbage, violas and mums. Can't go wrong with combinations of bright yellow, deep purple, and calming green. The pumpkins and gourds were given to us by a friend who grew them in her garden! I love fall time :)

New Horizons

2009-09-03T12:40:00.004-04:00

While Shanam goes to work every morning, I get to do something a little different...I play :) To some it may be work, but to me, it's what brings me happiness! For the past four months I've been a gardener/landscape designer for a woman in our town. She owns 20 acres and is building a new house and I got to design the new landscape while freshening up her old one. So much fun! However, something new is on the horizon! Together with the county extension agent, I'm putting together a HORTICULTURE PROGRAM for the community! We had our first meeting on Tuesday this week and had a pretty good turnout of about 20 people. I was interviewed on the local radio station to advertise the program and the word is getting out!! I'm so excited and can't wait to do a little movin' and a shakin'!

Raindrops for the Soul

2009-08-20T20:55:00.003-04:00

I love the rain...and more specifically, I love rain in West Texas! Do you know why? CUZ IT NEVER DOES!!! But, right now, it's raining and I feel like my life is complete :) Inside my heart, I can feel every green living thing singing! I look out my window and watch the grass, imagining the joy it feels to finally recieve pure, natural water. I watch as the dry, red dirt becomes darker and the green grass gets greener. Rain always brings a sense of peace with it and always leaves behind a sense of new beginning. After a good rain, I love going outside to take in a deep, long breath, filling my soul with new beginnings, then exhaling with a peaceful knowledge that I can keep moving forward.

Why do we over eat?

2009-08-07T13:30:00.004-04:00

I wasn't able to embed the clip, but on Democracynow.org there is an excellent 45 min segment on overeating in America. It's very fascinating and I encourage you to take a look!! Dr. David Kessler is the guest speaker.

Veggie Tales

2009-08-01T10:37:00.004-04:00

I love a fridge PACKED with fruits and veggies!!

Back in September of '08, after months of research, I decided to cut out meat and dairy from my diet and focus on whole grains, organic fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds. My diet has adapted a little since then, but that is still the foundation. I have not had fast food since that day and I have not purchased chicken or beef at the grocery store since that day. Also, since that day, I have not had any sicknesses, no colds, no flu, I have not had heart burn or indigestion, I have not felt so full I could burst, my blood pressure and cholesterol levels are excellent, and my body feels great ALL THE TIME! My skin has cleared up, my pant size has decreased, and menstrual cramps have almost disappeared completely. I don't have cravings for greasy, salty food anymore and my body thanks me everyday for what I feed it. That was the best decision I could have made! Despite the weird looks people gave me, despite the negative comments I received from my friends, despite what our society perceives as normal, I knew what I was doing was best for me and my health and I've never felt better. The greatest thing is, life only gets better from here :) I want to live a long life, I want to provide all the healthy nutrients to my baby when I'm pregnant, I want to raise a family that understands the importance of being good stewards over their bodies. Live beautifully and life will be beautiful.

More presents!

2009-07-08T15:47:00.002-04:00

Today, a huge box from home arrived with tons more wedding presents and gift cards and sweet notes and I sat on my couch opening and reading and crying. I was so touched that so many people would still make an effort to send something or write something. I'm still crying as I think about how many special people have been a part of my life. It brought back so many great memories of great times I've shared with amazing people, and made me so grateful for all that I've been able to experience before getting married. I just feel so grateful to have lived the life I've lived!!! We got a card from an amazing French family that helped me tremendously on my mission, a creative gift my favorite seminary teacher new I'd love, a funny card from an old Disney co-worker who never ceases to make me laugh, sweet notes full of love from distant family members I've only met once, a letter from an awesome college roommate who's serving as a missionary in Arizona. This is just to name a few. What wonderful people! We have received so much love and support all throughout our relationship, I don't think I could ever really say enough thank you's to cover it :)

As I go throughout my day, I have a lot of time to think and ponder, and my thoughts will often think about friends from the past. Wondering what they are up to, remembering good times we shared, and especially thinking about how they have influenced my life for the better.

You are not forgotton. Thank you for enhancing the beauty of my life. I feel truly blessed to know you!

My new calling!

2009-06-08T11:30:00.005-04:00

Two Sundays ago, I was called in to meet with the branch president and I was asked to serve as the First Counselor in the Young Women's Presidency! Of course, I said yes! I had only met these girls once, the Sunday before, but already felt a great love and connection to them, so I was delighted with my calling. Then the branch president proceeded to tell me that girls camp was that week and that the girls would be leaving on Tuesday. Smiling, he asked if I would be able to go. I laughed and then realized he was serious. So I said, well of course! Although I did miss Shanam, the girls and I had such a great time and it was a great bonding experience. The beautiful desert sunset on the drive down to Big Bend National Park.

This is 4 wards combined! 18 awesome girls!

On the hike up to the waterfall taking a little breather.

Cattail Falls. The girls had fun splashing and diving in the freezing spring water.

Erin and I, queens of the mountain!

These are my 5 girls! Ready to canoe down the Rio Grande!

2 More Weeks!!

2009-04-17T20:50:00.002-04:00

I've been counting down since day 178 so it's great to finally be at 14!!!! So exciting!! Everything is coming together nicely--family from out of town will be arriving shortly, bridesmaids skirts are almost done (the amazing Anndalyn is making them!), both my bridal showers were a blast and it has been so great to see so many old friends, I'm almost all packed and ready to move to Texas, and Shanam and I can't wait for the honeymoon!!! Mom loves watching the travel channel and just watched a show about the top 20 hottest Carribean islands to visit and St. Lucia was Number 1! We just can't wait!!

Camarillo Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!!

2009-03-18T23:19:00.007-04:00

The invites have gone out!! This reunion/bridal shower is going to be amazing! I can't wait to see everyone!! Check out this guest list! Did you know so many of us California girls live in Utah now?

Aiden Malcolm (Johnson)
Amanda Carter (Bunker)
Amber Marsing (Plymale)
Amber Phillips (Speakman)
Amy Cobia (Miller)
Amy Orton (Bergeson)
Andrea Tao (Olson)
Angie Taylor (Kent)
Atalie Afu (Johnson)
Bethany Campbell (soon to be McGaughy!)
Bre Ahrens (Bell)
Brittanie Stott (Morris)
Channing Hoybjerg
Char Parker
Cherilyn Miller
Cindy Ludlow
Cindy Plymale
Corinne Beede (Jenkins)
Diane Wunderli
Dorothy Christiansen
Elaine Marz
Heather Melo (Florence)
Jamie Styre (Goodrich)
Jamie Towse
Janine Anderson
Jann Downs
Joy Hopkins
Julie Bell
Kate Barlow
Kate Plewe (Maygren)
Kathy Speakman
Katy Broughton
Kelley Airapetov (Goodrich)
Kelly Taylor (Spangler)
Kitte Robbins
Krissy Blickenstaff
Kylie Woodley (Wunderli)
Leanne Barlow (Hafen)
Lygia & Mileah Johnson
Mandy Florence
Marjean Lewis
Mary Ellen Southwick
Melinda Barlow
Pat & Sarah Bluth
Peggy Snyder
Shannon Brown (Marz)
Sharlene Campbell
Shawn Perry
Summer Florence
Tammi Roberts (Miller)
Tena Maughn
Terri & Anine Hotvedt
Trine Krueger (Lassen)
Vicki & Valerie Reynolds
Wendy Heath (Parker)
Whitney Rose (Wunderli)

If you know of anyone else who lives here in Utah please invite them! We're going to have a blast and I wouldn't want anyone to miss out. Can't wait to see all of you and your cute kids :) And a special shout out to my best friend Bre for helping put this all together. I love you girl!

Gratitude

2009-02-24T00:20:00.002-05:00

I just feel so overwhelmed with gratitude tonight! I could go on and on with a list of how the Lord has blessed me just in the past few months. It seems like everything is just falling into place and I really couldn't ask for anything more. I love life and all the dear friends and family I share it with. I love the amazing man I will be marrying in two months and for the life that lies ahead of us. And I love my Heavenly Father. He continues to work miracles in my life and I will continue to serve Him in all that I do! Life is beautiful!

Leaving on a Jet Plane

2009-01-29T16:29:00.005-05:00

It's been exactly one week since Shanam was called out on an emergency business trip to Texas. He called me last Thursday while I was at work to tell me he was headed to the airport in an hour and that he might not be back for a COUPLE MONTHS! We were so distraught that we wouldn't get to see each other before he left, it was horrible! Don't worry, I pulled myself together :) But it really is strange to go from being with each other every single day to nothing at all! But to count my blessings...I've had so much time to prepare for the wedding! All the big things are ready to go, now I get to focus on all the fun details :) I hope ya'll are planning on coming because this is going to be one spectacular day!

Isn't it about...Time? NO!

2009-01-19T10:08:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, as I was studying for my Sunday School lesson, the lesson mentioned how the Restoration was a combination of three things--the right time, the right place, and the right person. God had prepared every little event leading up to the Restoration in order for the Resoration to be perfect. I noticed, interestingly enough, the combination of those three things are what modern day prophets have said about marriage--the right time, the right place, the right person. This got me to thinking about relationships. Before I had met Shanam I remember thinking...WHEN is it going to be my turn...why can't I get find him right NOW...why do I have to WAIT so long? Here's my conclusion. Time is irrelevant to the Lord. Time is something that was created for us here on earth to measure the length of our probation, but the Lord doesn't run on time. The Lord runs on events. Just like the Restoration, everything has to be in order and prepared for the next step, no matter how long that takes. I realize now that certain things had to happen in my life, certain decisions had to be made, before I was ready to meet Shanam and before I was able to recognize the incredible blessings he brought into my life. This moment of meeting the right person happens at different times for everybody, but as long as we have faith that the events in our life are preparing us for that moment, it will happen. And when that moment "finally" happens, the rightness of it feels soooo good :)

It's a Beautiful Life

2008-12-30T13:23:00.002-05:00

Look! I made my first snowman!! Well, it kinda looks more like a snowwoman wearing a skirt. I've gotta find her a wig. :) This Christmas was so wonderful! After spending the last two Christmas's in Florida, I finally got to be home for the holidays. I love being with my family and taking in all the little moments. For instance, on Christmas Eve my three younger brothers and I stayed up past midnight playing board games. There was one point when I got laughing so hard that I woke up my parents and got in trouble! I'm 26 years old but I felt like I was 6 again, trying not to giggle after my parents went back to bed :) Hehe.

Wanna know my favorite gift I got for Christmas? Getting to see Shanam every day :) He lives close by now, so it is a dream come true! And let me tell you, this man is so amazing...he knows how much I love getting gifts, so he made sure my Christmas was extra special. I couldn't be happier with all his sweet surprises!

For the new year, I changed my header to "Live Beautifully." Every day is such a blessing. Every moment is something cherished. My life is beautiful and I'm going to live it beautifully!

2008-05-29T10:05:00.005-04:00

See the man to the left? Yeah, he entered my life about a month ago, and it's one of those things where I have to keep asking myself, "Is this real? Can someone so wonderful really think I'm so wonderful, too?" Just look at him! So adorable and so...good. I was telling him the other day "You are such a good man." And he asked me, "How do you know?" I responded, "Because when I'm with you I feel good. It's just that simple." Isn't that how it's supposed to be? It feels so comforting to have nothing lingering in the back of my mind, no red flags, no doubts, just feelings of goodness. It's beautiful!

So let me introduce you. This is Shanam McGaughy. Yes I know, interesting name. His first name means peace and his last name is pronounced McGoi. He was born in California and has moved around quite a bit, attending high school on the east coast, college on the west and ending up here in Florida. He actually lives about an hour and a half away which makes our relationship that much more interesting. We met at a dance out in Tampa and it's kinda been a whirlwind since then. Just ask my roommates. I think they're all tired of hearing about it all :) But really, I can't help it, he just makes me so happy.

Catalysts

2008-02-25T10:36:00.004-05:00

I'm sure you've all experienced what I'm feeling. Every once in a while it feels like your life gets completely flipped upside down, or inside out, or just plain squashed. For me, it always seems to happen when I get too fixed on the future. When I can see my life before me in one easy straight line. When I feel like I'm in control, on the right track to achieving my goals, hopes high, and then WHAM! The ground is pulled out from under me and I find myself flat on my back looking up into empty space. The natural response is ...Why? Why does this happen to me? Why can't I just have what I want?
My mom gave me a book for Christmas called "The Other 90%: How to Unlock Your Vast Untapped Potential for Leadership and Life." This is what the author says,
"No matter how many times the pundits hail human progress, much of everyday experience still remains difficult and even mystifying. We face immense uncertainty and complexity. We are challenged at almost every turn. Yet, by design, we have the capacity and responsibility to learn and grow from every one of the obstacles, inducements, incitements, provocations, and stimuli--I call them catalysts--that life sends our way. Catalysts are a special kind of gift: they challenge us to reach farther, search harder, and discover more ways to make every moment count. During times of change, we must summon increased confidence. From our stumbles and mistakes come unexpected lessons. Each setback or failure yields a measure of ingenuity or wisdom, enriching our lives in ways that our successes alone never can."
God designed us to not only experience challenges, but to learn and grow from them. It seems like a "duh" statement, I know, but often it's the simplest concepts that contain the most meaning and are the hardest for me to learn :) So, my responsibility now is to stop gawking at the empty space above me, grab the Hand that is always stretched out to help me back up, and "reach farther, search harder, and discover more ways to make every moment count."
Thanks to the example of some of my best friends, especially Bre, they have inspired me to start this blog. I thought a lot about what I wanted this blog to be about. The obvious answer is...me :) But since I'm still learning everyday who I am, this blog is more a discovery process. My greatest desire is to fulfill the measure of my creation, to figure out what I was put on earth to do. My hope is that this blog can also be an inspiration for others to do the same. Because what's the point of life if we're not seeking to find the point of our personal existence? I know God will help me. I just need to ask the right questions :)